Best Ice Cream Maker Reviews – 2018 Buyer’s Guide

By Trevor Pierce | Updated January 5, 2018

Seriously, who doesn’t love ice cream? It is one of the most popular and enjoyable desserts that always seems to put a smile on everyone’s face. Now you can create that magic in the comfort of your own kitchen. An ice cream maker is one of the few small appliances that you can own that has the power to bring the entire family together. It is also one of the easiest to operate which makes it a simple and fun activity for involving the kids.

Finding the best ice cream maker for your home is typically going to come down to price and convenience. No matter your budget there is something out there for everyone. Our ice cream maker reviews try and cover a wide variety of models at different price points so no one is left out. Whether you want to make the occasional cup of vanilla ice cream or you are more discerning and crave some decadent gelato, there is a machine that is ideal for you.

Best Ice Cream Makers 2018 – Quick Comparison

Here is a quick comparison table highlighting some of the top rated ice cream maker machines for 2018.

Price Ranges

The ice cream makers on our list range from just under $50 all the way up to $800. Machines with their own compressor are going to cost more. The more popular and least expensive models require you to put the mixing bowl in your freezer beforehand. This adds some time to the ice cream making processes, but you can save a lot by going this route.

For the ultimate convenience getting a machine with a compressor, which produces the cold temperatures needed, will save you a fair amount of time and let you indulge your cravings faster and on a whim. However, these machines are not all that budget friendly.

Cuisinart produces some of the best ice cream makers on the market and this is one of their most popular models. Coming in generally at just under $50, this is a great entry point to making your own frozen treats at home.

You can make up to 1.5 quarts of your favorite ice cream, sorbet, gelato or frozen yogurt. Most of these can be made in 20 minutes or less. One button control make it one of the easiest machines on our list to operate.

A nice sized ingredient spout lets you add what you want while the process has already started. The ICE-21 also comes with an easy lock lid for safety and to prevent spills. The freezer bowl is double walled to ensure an even freeze and consistent results.

This machine also has a solid base with rubber feet and robust motor to be able to operate steadily on your counter while it churns out your favorite frozen desserts.

Being a budget model, this ice cream maker does not have its own compressor. The bowl will have to be frozen before use. Cuisinart recommends putting it in your freezer for 16 to 24 hours. If you want to make ice cream whenever you get a craving then you can create a spot in your freezer and leave your bowl there full time. That way it is ready when you want it.

For those who like stainless steel appliances, like me, this model does not offer this modern styling option.

Cleanup has seen mixed results with owners. The parts are not dishwasher safe so you will have to hand wash everything. This is something to keep in mind.

For value and versatility it is hard to beat the Cuisinart ICE-21. It gets very high marks from owners for its simplicity, price, and the quality of the ice cream it creates. While not perfect, it does offer a lot for those looking for an easy way to make homemade frozen desserts without breaking the bank.

PROS

Price

Simple Controls

Double Insulated Freezer Bowl

Versatility

Easy Lock Lid

Overall Value

CONS

The main reason why this is only #2 on our list is that it is nearly 6X the price of the Cuisinart ICE-21. However, you are able to save way more than 6X the time needed to make ice cream or gelato by not having to pre-freeze the bowl. This unit comes with its own compressor which adds the cold for you. A large number of owners find this advantage to be well worth the price. You will not have to plan ahead for when you make your ice cream you can simply make it whenever you get a craving. Convenience is king in this case.

This unit features a 1.5 quart bowl. If you need to make larger amounts the beauty of having a machine with its own compressor is that you can run back to back batches with very little down time.

The ICE-100 also comes with 2 different mixing paddles. One is for gelato and sorbet and one is dedicated just for ice cream. This added versatility is something that owners also praise.

The looks and styling are also a little more modern than some of their other models. With a stainless steel body, LED buttons and an LCD screen, this machine fits in nicely into any type of kitchen.

While this ice cream maker has a lot going for it, there are some things that owners wished were better. First, it is a bit pricier due to having its own compressor. This is a huge advantage for making ice cream but it is a disadvantage for those on a tight budget.

The unit is also going to be quite a bit heavier than machines that do not have a compressor. This is something to keep in mind when thinking about where to keep your ice cream maker when it is not in use.

Cleanup is relatively straightforward and simple. There are just a few parts that need cleaning and it can be done with a wipe of a warm rag. The parts are not recommended for the dishwasher.

The Cuisinart ICE-100 delivers the ultimate convenience for any serious ice cream or gelato lover. It gets very high marks from users for the quality of ice cream it creates, ease of use, and for relatively hassle-free cleanup. Even though it comes with a high price it still delivers excellent value.

PROS

Has Its Own Compressor

Make Multiple Batches With Ease

Easy To Use

2 Mixing Paddles

Easy Cleanup

Convenience & Versatility

Modern Styling

Recipe Book Included

CONS

This is a mid-priced ice cream maker that has the same basic functionality as the ICE-21 but with some noticeable differences. For those that want a more robust machine but don’t want to pay for a unit with a compressor then the ICE-70 is a terrific alternative.

This unit comes with a slightly larger 2 quart capacity bowl which can handle a wide range of frozen desserts. You can create not only ice cream, but gelato, sorbet and frozen yogurt as well.

An improved mixing paddle increases the machines overall efficiency and reduces the amount of time it takes to complete your recipe. Typically 15 to 20 minutes for ice cream.

Styling and controls are also quite striking. A countdown timer, LCD display, and 3 button speed settings give you the ultimate control over the entire process. It also has a brushed chrome finish, on plastic, which is a nice upgrade from having a white appliance.

The ingredient spout also has a built in measuring cup to make adding your favorite fixings more precise.

Since this does not have a compressor you will have to make sure the bowl is frozen before use. This can take up to 24 hours in the freezer so some planning will be involved.

Some owners also found that it did make a little more noise than they were expecting. It was not “blender loud” but more of that of a mixer.

Cleanup is pretty straightforward but parts are not dishwasher safe. It is best to clean right after use.

With better styling and a larger capacity bowl, the Cuisinart ICE-70 is a nice step up from the ICE-21. Even though it will cost you over twice as much, you do get some added benefits that may make it worth it in the long run. This ice cream machine gets some very nice scores from owners and high recommendation rates which is why it is so high up on our list.

PROS

Larger Capacity Bowl (2 Quarts)

Improved Paddle – Faster Mixing Times

Modern Styling – LCD Dispaly

BPA Free Parts

Intuitive Controls

Countdown Timer

CONS

This would normally be #1 on our list just due to its prowess for making unbelievable frozen desserts but its price makes that impossible. At just under $800, this Italian made machine is truly for die hard ice cream aficionados with the budget to match. So what makes this model so great?

First, its all stainless steel construction means this thing is built to last. The body, built-in bowl, and paddle are all made to churn out countless batches of ice cream and gelato without skipping a beat.

It comes with its own compressor so you can indulge yourself at your own convenience. You do not have to worry about freezing the mixing bowl beforehand.

It is fully automatic. Simply pour in your ingredients and you will be making a delightful dessert with the press of two buttons.

Operation is also a breeze. The controls are easy to use and a number of users have mentioned that it was quieter than they were expecting.

One thing to keep in mind is that because it has a compressor it is going to weigh quite a bit more than a machine that does not have one. Where you store it may become an issue if you do not wish to keep it on your countertop.

Despite having a built in bowl that cannot be removed, the clean up process is relatively easy. Because everything is made from stainless steel, a simple wipe down with a warm sponge followed by some paper towels should take care of any mess.

The Lello 4080 Musso Lussino is a professional grade, high-end machine that comes with a high-end price. Despite the hefty price tag, many owners feel it is one of the best purchases they have made for their kitchen. If you are looking for the best home ice cream maker and money is no object then this machine for you.

PROS

Has Its Own Compressor

Stainless Steel Construction – Built To Last

Simple To Clean

Professional Grade – Make Batch After Batch

Easy To Use Controls

Performance & Quality

CONS

This model has the largest capacity bowl of any of the machines on our list. This 2.1 quart upright design is meant to save some countertop space all while delivering the convenience and performance of wider ice cream makers.

Whynter makes some solid ice cream machines that have their own compressor, and this unit is no different. The ICM-201SB has some nice features that make it an attractive option worth considering.

The mixing bowl is stainless steel and it is removable. This should help in the cleaning process. The paddle is made from BPA-free food safe materials.

The controls are also a strong point of this machine. It has three different modes, a pause button, and a LCD display screen. Not only does it let you see how much time you have left but it also shows the temperature. This all lends to its overall modern styling that should make it a real eye-catcher in any kitchen.

The major drawbacks of this machine are the same as any ice cream maker with a compressor; weight and price. While not as heavy as some other compressor machines it is not going to be all that fun to move from a cabinet to your kitchen counter.

The stainless steel bowl helps make the process of cleaning pretty simple. Running under hot water or wiping down with a wet rag or sponge should suffice.

The Whynter ICM-201SB is a wonderful option for anyone with limited countertop space. You get the convenience of a frozen treat maker that has a compressor in an upright design. Its large capacity bowl, LCD display, and overall performance has garnered this model some very nice reviews from owners. This is not all that budget friendly, but it still delivers a decent value that make it a worthy contender.

PROS

2.1 Quart Capacity Bowl

Upright Design

Sleek Styling

Stainless Steel Bowl

Compressor

Controls & LCD Display

CONS

This ice cream maker from Nostalgia is a wonderful show piece for your kitchen that pays tribute to how your grandparents might have made ice cream back in the day. The wood bucket design does not need the bowl to be frozen but rather it uses ice and salt to provide the cold temperature.

With a large 4 quart bowl, this is perfect for small parties or larger families. It is fully electric so there is not much fuss to making plenty of your favorite frozen treats.

This old fashioned but modern ice cream machine is not only easy to use but it is also light on the wallet. At around $40 this is the least expensive option of all of the models in our ice cream maker reviews.

The outside is constructed of real wood and the bowl is lined with easy to clean BPA-free plastic.

While you do not have to freeze the bowl before using you will have to have plenty of ice and some salt to put around the outside of the bowl.

Also, there is no automatic shutoff so you will have to keep your eye on the clock and turn the unit off after a certain time that your recipe requires.

Cleanup should be rather straightforward but you will have melted ice and some salt to contend with. There are no small parts or hard to clean areas.

If you want to turn up the fun factor and pay tribute to how homemade ice cream used to be made then the Nostalgia ICMP400WD is a great option. The wood bucket design draws a lot of positive comments and it can be a real show stopper for your kitchen. It is rather simple to use and its large capacity bowl makes it a great choice for parties. For a budget ice cream maker it gets very high recommendation rates from owners.

PROS

Wood Bucket Design

No Need To Freeze Bowl

Simple To Use

Large Capacity Bowl

Budget Friendly

CONS

Ice Cream Maker Buying Guide

There is one main factor when it comes to choosing an ice cream machine for your home and that is whether you get one with its own compressor or one without. The price difference between these two types of machines is significant. Let’s take a closer look so you can best determine which is better for your kitchen.

The Compressor

The main advantage of getting a machine with compressor is convenience. Compressors are what deliver the cold temperatures to the bowl that are needed to make ice cream. This is how your refrigerator and freezer work.

Convenience

Machines that do not have a compressor typically require you to freeze the bowl for up to 24 hours before making ice cream. You will have to plan ahead for your craving. One way around this is to create room in your freezer and keep your bowl in their full time. Of course, this restricts the amount of room in your freezer for other things.

When using a machine that has its own compressor you can completely skip this step. Whenever you get a craving you can mix your ingredients, add it to the machine, and have delicious desserts in a few minutes. The time savings is a tremendous positive and it is the main reason to go this route. You can also make multiple batches back to back with ease.

Weight

Another factor to keep in mind is that machines that contain a compressor are also going to be significantly heavier. If you do not have room on your countertop then getting it in and out of a storage cabinet is going to be quite the chore. These types of ice cream makers are best served staying on your kitchen counter.

Budget

If you are on a tight budget and only plan to make the occasional batch of gelato or ice cream then getting a less expensive machine without a compressor is going to make the most sense. However, if you can afford to indulge your cravings then having a machine that can satisfy your sweet tooth on demand is going to be a real and tangible advantage in the kitchen.

Cleanup

This is usually an overlooked aspect of buying any small kitchen appliance, but it is something to be aware of nonetheless. Even though most of the home ice cream machines on the market today are relatively easy to keep clean, this is one area to pay attention to before buying. Not too many machines have dishwasher safe parts, so a quick wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge will be required. It is also best to clean your machine right after use before the ingredients have had a chance to dry.

Ice Cream Consistency

One small note to add is that is important to have realistic expectations about the consistency of the ice cream that most home makers produce. Store bought brands typically have additives and stabilizers that give it a firm texture, but home machines produce more of a soft serve product.

Some owners like to use heavier cream but most just stick the finished ice cream in their freezer for an hour or so to firm it up. Knowing what to expect can reduce any unwanted disappointment.

Wholesome Ingredients

One of the advantages of making homemade ice cream for your family is that you are in control of the ingredients. You can make it as healthy or as decadent as you wish. If you look at the ingredient list on a store bought brand you may not recognize what a few of the names are. However, when you get to create your own ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt or sorbet at home you are completely in charge. Not only can it bring the whole family together but it can actually be a healthier experience.

Nothing brings people closer like the anticipation of ice cream. Hopefully this guide will help you find the best ice cream maker for your family and friends to enjoy the pure sense of goodness that a delicious frozen dessert can provide.